A Miraculous Dance

Hannah's arthritis started with a single joint and spread throughout her body. By age one, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), and her parents silently braced themselves for the unthinkable. Would Hannah be able to walk, run, dance and just be a little girl functioning normally without pain? How soon would this debilitating disease take its grip?

"We tried to focus on all that she could do and not her limitations," recalls Victoria, Hannah's mom. "Still this was an every day battle to try not to focus on the future, the unknown, and just focus on today."

The Headens found Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center...and hope.

Hannah has been through many procedures and has been on several different types of medications to try and stop the debilitating effects of her disease. "I will never forget one morning when I was on my way to get Hannah out of bed, and I found her  crawling on her belly trying to get to the bathroom," says Victoria. "She did not  want to bother anyone; she simply thought she would do it herself." Hannah's spirit has always been like this, strong, determined and courageous.

But no child should have to be strong enough to endure such pain. So when Hannah's rheumatologist Dr. Rabinovich suggested an experimental drug, the Headen's, feeling desperate to end their daughter's suffering, were willing to try. "Dr. Rabinovich is more than our child's doctor. She is my friend, a mom and someone that I trust with Hannah's care," says Victoria.

Throughout the years many Duke doctors and caregivers have become an extended family. "I consider our doctors and nurses to be our angels, sent here to help us take care of our daughter. At Duke, we have always felt that they genuinely love Hannah and our family," Victoria reflects. "They truly care about Hannah and this has always brought us great comfort and peace of mind."

Today, Hannah is a beautiful 11-year-old who loves to dance, swim, run and sing, and dreams of becoming an actress someday. She is a member of the Western Middle School dance team and is a graceful ballerina- one of the most flexible in her class. None of this would be possible if it were not for Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center. 

"It is our hope that all children have access to the same special care that Hannah has received."

 --Victoria Headen